Aging: A Biological Perspective

Over the past two decades the study of the biology of aging has grown from a marginally respectable practice into cutting-edge science. Today, prospects are good that within a matter of years it may be possible to significantly postpone the onset of senescence in human beings, thereby extending the healthy portion of life. The author reviews several biochemical and genetic approaches to achieving this goal, and discusses the barriers, both scientific and social, such efforts are likely to face.